Deputy fired for online comment disparaging people in brawl

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CLINTON, N.C. (AP) — A sheriff's deputy is out of a job after going on social media to disparage people involved in a brawl that left one man dead and six other people shot, stabbed or beaten.

The Sampson County sheriff's office on Tuesday fired Deputy Charles Patrick Foreman after one of his Facebook comments implied that the people involved Sunday were poor. Foreman said people arranging the event at Lakewood Country Club paid their deposit by electronic cash transfer, the method also used for food stamps.

The melee also left one deputy with cuts and a cruiser damaged after it was struck by people trying to escape the scene.

Sheriff Jimmy Thornton said he won't tolerate employees who bring the integrity of his office into question.